Recent Policy & Legal Developments

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Decree 193 – October 15, 2024

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Panama’s Executive Decree 193 extended the preferential investment thresholds under the Qualified Investor Program through October 2026 and solidified real estate investment at US $300,000, reverting plans to increase this to US $500,000. Additionally, co-ownership became officially accepted, enhancing family participation flexibility.

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New Investment Modalities (2025)

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Legislative updates fleshed out options available under Decree 193, including real estate transactions via promise-to-purchase or escrow backed by a developer bank guarantee, investments in stock exchange securities (min. US $500,000), and fixed‑term bank deposits (min. US $750,000 for five years).

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Labour Integration Option

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Qualified investor visa holders now have the privilege of obtaining an unsponsored Panama work permit, unrestricted by employer quotas—an uncommon benefit across golden visa programs.

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Humanitarian Security Protection Permit (March 2025)

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This new permit allows irregular migrants with one year’s presence in Panama to regularize status for up to eight years and eventually apply for permanent residency after further legal pathways.

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